Education

Mobuto casts a shadow over Africa

Article Abstract:

The history of the conflicts between the Hutus and the Tutsis in Central Africa is charted. This goes back to 1959, and involves events in Rwanda, Zaire, Uganda and Burundi. Ultimately the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front toppled the Hutu government in Rwanda in 1994, causing the Hutus to flee to Zaire, a country in anarchy after decades of an oppressive regime under President Mobutu. Mobutu is residing in France and enjoys French support. The situation in Zaire and the Hutu-Tutsi conflict have become more interwoven and if Mobutu returns to Zaire, the international community will need to apply pressure for democracy.

Change out of Africa

Article Abstract:

African universities were regarded as having good prospects when they were created or became the responsibility of governments in the 1960s. However, they have failed to live up to expectations. Most are in financial crisis, and productivity and research are at very low levels. Government intervention has often had a negative impact, and internal management structures have not served to encourage productivity or accountability. However, there are now signs that positive changes are beginning to take place.